In Tacoma, Washington, PEMCO offers the lowest minimum coverage, while Nationwide is the cheapest for full coverage. For families with teen drivers, Kemper leads in affordability. The top-notch customer service provider is Chubb, while PEMCO blends best value with competitive pricing and service.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Tacoma, WA (August 2024)
PEMCO offers Tacoma's cheapest minimum coverage at $439 annually. PEMCO is also the best with a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Mark Friedlander
Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in financial services and insurance. He is the Director of Corporate Communications at the [Insurance Information Institute (III)](https://www.iii.org/) — a New York-based nonprofit research and education organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance — serving as a national insurance industry media spokesperson for broadcast, digital and print outlets. Before joining the III, Friedlander held senior communications roles at Main Street America Insurance, Arthur Andersen LLP and Prudential Financial. His recent contributions and appearances include The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Weather, the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), NBC News, ABC News, CNBC and many more national and regional news outlets. Friedlander holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from the Ohio State University.
Nica Gonzales-Villaraza
Senior Content Editor
Nica Gonzales is a senior editor with over 10 years of experience in the legal and financial service industries, with expertise in brand identity, digital editorial, web accessibility and paid media. Gonzales graduated from the University of the Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Mark Friedlander
Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in financial services and insurance. He is the Director of Corporate Communications at the [Insurance Information Institute (III)](https://www.iii.org/) — a New York-based nonprofit research and education organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance — serving as a national insurance industry media spokesperson for broadcast, digital and print outlets. Before joining the III, Friedlander held senior communications roles at Main Street America Insurance, Arthur Andersen LLP and Prudential Financial. His recent contributions and appearances include The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Weather, the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), NBC News, ABC News, CNBC and many more national and regional news outlets. Friedlander holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from the Ohio State University.
Nica Gonzales-Villaraza
Senior Content Editor
Nica Gonzales is a senior editor with over 10 years of experience in the legal and financial service industries, with expertise in brand identity, digital editorial, web accessibility and paid media. Gonzales graduated from the University of the Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication.
Updated: October 3, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Tacoma
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 81,780 quotes from 15 companies in Washington, including the city of Tacoma. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Tacoma insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Tacoma, WA, as of August 2024.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Tacoma
MoneyGeek found that these companies provide the cheapest car insurance for minimum coverage in Tacoma:
- PEMCO: $439 per year
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $461 per year
Dairyland has the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Tacoma, costing $2,236 annually. That's a significant $1,797 difference from the cheapest. This variance highlights the importance of shopping around to ensure you're getting a deal that best fits your budget.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
PEMCO | Annual Premium$439 | Monthly Premium$37 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$461 | Monthly Premium$38 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$530 | Monthly Premium$44 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$552 | Monthly Premium$46 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$558 | Monthly Premium$46 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$576 | Monthly Premium$48 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$583 | Monthly Premium$49 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$672 | Monthly Premium$56 |
American Family | Annual Premium$712 | Monthly Premium$59 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$737 | Monthly Premium$61 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$856 | Monthly Premium$71 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$963 | Monthly Premium$80 |
National General | Annual Premium$1,171 | Monthly Premium$98 |
Dairyland | Annual Premium$2,236 | Monthly Premium$186 |
State Minimum Liability Requirements
In Washington, from Tacoma to Seattle, state law dictates the minimum car insurance requirements. Here's a snapshot:
- $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
With minimum coverage, if you're responsible for an injury, your policy pays up to $25,000 for each person, capped at $50,000 per accident. But if the cost is higher, every dollar beyond your policy's limit comes out of your pocket.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Tacoma
MoneyGeek found that these providers offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Tacoma:
- Nationwide: $902 per year
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $933 per year
Dairyland has the most expensive full coverage policy at $4,814 annually, showing a staggering difference of $3,912 compared to Nationwide. This gap underscores the need to compare quotes, as full coverage car insurance generally costs more due to higher liability limits and the inclusion of comprehensive and collision coverage.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Nationwide | Annual Premium$902 | Monthly Premium$75 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$933 | Monthly Premium$78 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$954 | Monthly Premium$80 |
PEMCO | Annual Premium$968 | Monthly Premium$81 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,017 | Monthly Premium$85 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,041 | Monthly Premium$87 |
American Family | Annual Premium$1,081 | Monthly Premium$90 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,138 | Monthly Premium$95 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,183 | Monthly Premium$99 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,408 | Monthly Premium$117 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,522 | Monthly Premium$127 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,547 | Monthly Premium$129 |
National General | Annual Premium$2,301 | Monthly Premium$192 |
Dairyland | Annual Premium$4,814 | Monthly Premium$401 |
Do You Need Full Coverage in Tacoma?
Full coverage insurance extends beyond increased liability limits to include both comprehensive and collision coverage components.
Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer. If you have a new vehicle, opt for full coverage for more robust financial protection. If you're leasing or have a car loan, you are typically required to carry full coverage insurance.
Contrastingly, owners of older vehicles may find the extra premium for full coverage less justifiable due to the car's decreased value. Striking the right balance is key when deciding how much car insurance you need; higher coverage leads to increased premiums, but with lower coverage, you run the risk of being inadequately insured.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma After a Driving Offense
MoneyGeek found that in Tacoma, full coverage policies vary based on the specific type of driving offense. Here are the most affordable companies for drivers with a poor driving record:
- Speeding Ticket: Kemper ($1,214 per year)
- At-Fault Accident: Kemper ($1,245 per year)
- DUI: Progressive ($1,277 per year)
Dairyland tends to have the most expensive rates for these offenses. The variation in annual rates between Kemper, the cheapest after a speeding ticket, and Progressive, the cheapest after a DUI, is $63, illustrating how different infractions can influence car insurance premiums.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
- Accident
- DUI
- Speeding
PEMCO | Annual Premium$1,205 | Monthly Premium$100 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$1,214 | Monthly Premium$101 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,257 | Monthly Premium$105 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$1,284 | Monthly Premium$107 |
American Family | Annual Premium$1,297 | Monthly Premium$108 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,305 | Monthly Premium$109 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,383 | Monthly Premium$115 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,565 | Monthly Premium$130 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,661 | Monthly Premium$138 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,694 | Monthly Premium$141 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,731 | Monthly Premium$144 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$2,035 | Monthly Premium$170 |
National General | Annual Premium$3,142 | Monthly Premium$262 |
Dairyland | Annual Premium$5,613 | Monthly Premium$468 |
In Tacoma, insurance rates climb as driving offenses become more severe because insurers assess higher risks of future claims with those who have infractions. For instance, drivers with a DUI can expect average annual premiums around $2,329, comparatively higher than those with a speeding ticket, who face about $1,916. This sizable difference underscores the importance for drivers with offenses to rigorously compare insurance rates, ensuring they secure the most affordable coverage for their situation.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma for Teens and Their Families
MoneyGeek found that Kemper offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in Tacoma.
- Kemper: $1,865 per year for female teens and $1,938 per year for male teens
- Nationwide: $2,309 per year for female teens and $2,464 per year for male teens
These rates reflect the cost for a policy covering a combination of two parents and a teenage driver. Progressive commands the most expensive teen family policy in Tacoma, with a stark difference in rates — a female teen's annual premium is $4,757, which emphasizes the necessity of comparing insurance quotes. Such rate discrepancies highlight the importance of shopping around, especially for high-risk drivers like teenagers.
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- Female
- Male
Kemper | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,865 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,465 |
Nationwide | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,309 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,609 |
Allstate | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,355 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$8,024 |
Capital Insurance Group | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,359 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,275 |
Travelers | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,474 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,334 |
State Farm | Family Plan Annual Premium$3,038 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,887 |
GEICO | Family Plan Annual Premium$3,201 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,711 |
Farmers | Family Plan Annual Premium$3,538 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,992 |
Progressive | Family Plan Annual Premium$4,757 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,123 |
In Tacoma, teenage drivers face steep premiums for car insurance, with an average individual annual cost of $6,024 compared to just $3,178 when added to a family plan. The disparity in rates stems from the higher risk insurers associate with inexperienced teen drivers, warranting higher premiums to offset potential claims.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma for Military Drivers
MoneyGeek found that USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Tacoma:
- USAA: $777 per year
- Nationwide: $902 per year
USAA is not just the most economical, but also prides itself on delivering services that cater specifically to the unique needs of active-duty military members. If you're eligible for their coverage, you'll benefit from both their cost-effectiveness and their military-focused customer experience.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
USAA | Annual Premium$777 | Monthly Premium$65 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$902 | Monthly Premium$75 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$933 | Monthly Premium$78 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$954 | Monthly Premium$80 |
PEMCO | Annual Premium$968 | Monthly Premium$81 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,017 | Monthly Premium$85 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,041 | Monthly Premium$87 |
American Family | Annual Premium$1,081 | Monthly Premium$90 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,138 | Monthly Premium$95 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,183 | Monthly Premium$99 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,408 | Monthly Premium$117 |
Chubb | Annual Premium$1,522 | Monthly Premium$127 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,547 | Monthly Premium$129 |
National General | Annual Premium$2,301 | Monthly Premium$192 |
Dairyland | Annual Premium$4,814 | Monthly Premium$401 |
How to Compare Cheap Tacoma Car Insurance Quotes Online
While shopping for the best car insurance rates in Tacoma can lead to significant savings, manually comparing quotes from multiple providers can be arduous, potentially exceeding an hour for just three companies.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator expedites this process. By simply inputting your age, driving history, credit score, preferred coverage level and several other key details, you can receive an accurate estimate instantly.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Oct 08, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Best Car Insurance in Tacoma: Overview
Finding the best auto insurance is a balancing act between service quality, cost, coverage options and other factors. A comprehensive study by MoneyGeek has identified Tacoma's leading car insurance providers catering to varying consumer preferences.
- Best overall: PEMCO (MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100)
- Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 86 out of 100)
- Best cheap: PEMCO (MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100)
PEMCO emerges as Tacoma's frontrunner for overall value and affordability, demonstrating a strong mix of service and financial efficiency. Meanwhile, Chubb is the go-to for those prioritizing premier service, ensuring top-tier customer experiences. Ultimately, consumers can choose based on what aspect — overall balance, service quality, or cost savings — they value the most in their car insurance.
Overall Best Car Insurance in Tacoma
MoneyGeek found that PEMCO provides best car insurance in Tacoma.
- PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($968 per year)
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,522 per year)
PEMCO distinguishes itself as the leading provider, securing the highest satisfaction and affordability scores among the competition. With a total MoneyGeek score of 90, it shines for its exceptional service and cost-effective rates for a full coverage policy. PEMCO customers can expect a superior blend of quality service and financial value when choosing their car insurance.
PEMCO's high MoneyGeek Score is largely thanks to its impressive satisfaction and affordability scores. This insurer provides both common coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, reinforcing its strong offering. Despite this, PEMCO doesn't skimp on reasonably common coverages, offering lock replacement to further protect customers against specific inconveniences.
For drivers seeking robust protection, PEMCO provides rare coverages like custom parts coverage, which is widely applicable. It offers up to $500 for customization, with the option for higher limits. Additionally, its pet coverage can be especially valuable. It pays up to $1,000 for veterinary bills if your pet is injured in a car accident, which could mean peace of mind for pet owners.
Ranks first for general customer satisfaction
Ranks second for claims satisfaction
Offers rare coverages, like custom parts coverage
Offers common coverages, like roadside assistance
Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or gap insurance
MoneyGeek’s Tacoma car insurance rankings prioritize customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness, with claims service, coverage options and company solvency being key considerations.
Best Car Insurance in Tacoma for Customer Service
MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Tacoma for car insurance based on customer service.
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($1522 per year)
- PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($968 per year)
Chubb stands out due to its top-ranking claims score and exceptional satisfaction rating, which are significant contributors to its leading MoneyGeek score. With its blend of reliability and comprehensive service, customers in Tacoma can trust Chubb for their car insurance needs.
Boasting the strongest scores in satisfaction and claims handling, Chubb prioritizes customer experience. Unfortunately, it lacks one of the most common coverages — roadside assistance — though it does offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement.
Chubb's car insurance offerings include Vintage Car Insurance, useful for those with collectible vehicles, providing tailored insurance for unique needs. Drivers benefit from their OEM Coverage, especially important as it ensures high-quality repairs using original manufacturer parts. Additionally, Diminished Value Coverage can protect a car’s value after an accident — a rare yet beneficial option.
With a perfect Satisfaction Score of 40 (out of 45) and a Claims Score of 30 (out of 30), Chubb demonstrates its commitment to customer service and effective claims resolution, reinforcing its position as a top choice despite any missing coverages.
Ranks second for general customer satisfaction
Ranks first for claims satisfaction
Offers rare OEM coverage and common rental car reimbursement
Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or gap insurance
MoneyGeek's Tacoma car insurance rankings prioritize customer satisfaction and claims processing, with coverage options and financial health as key considerations.
Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Tacoma
MoneyGeek found that PEMCO is the leading provider of affordable car insurance in Tacoma, offering an impressive balance between cost and customer experience.
- PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($439 per year)
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($672 per year)
PEMCO distinguishes itself by achieving the highest MoneyGeek score, mainly due to its exceptional affordability and reliable customer service. Their cost for a minimum coverage policy positions them as a prime option for budget-conscious drivers looking for quality car insurance without compromising on the essentials.
PEMCO stands out with its perfect affordability score, making it a clear leader in cost-effectiveness. The company boasts an exceptionally low average annual premium, with drivers paying an average of just $438.78 per year for minimum coverage. Though the discounts specific to PEMCO are not listed in the provided dataset, their remarkably low premiums highlight the company's commitment to affordability.
PEMCO's absence of listed discounts does not detract from its impressive breadth of value. With the highest possible scores in both Affordability and Non-Claims Customer Satisfaction, PEMCO proves its dedication to customer service and financial accessibility. Moreover, a strong Claims Score of 18 (out of 20) and a notable Coverage Score of 6 (out of 10) contribute to its high overall MoneyGeek Score, signaling a well-rounded insurance offering that prioritizes customer needs and budget-friendly options. Despite the lack of specific discount details, PEMCO's overall performance reflects its standing as a top-tier insurer in delivering quality service and exceptional cost savings to its policyholders.
Offers reasonably common and rare discounts
Ranks first for cost, with an average annual premium of $438.78 for minimum coverage
Ranks first for general customer satisfaction
Ranks second for claims satisfaction
Lacks common discounts such as bundling, multiple car, and safe driving
MoneyGeek evaluates Tacoma car insurance prioritizing affordable minimum policies and customer satisfaction, while also considering claims processing, coverage options and financial stability.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Tacoma
In Tacoma, the average monthly cost of car insurance is $1,523. This is higher than the average car insurance cost in the state of Washington, which is $1,429. Comparatively, the state's average car insurance cost is $353 less than the national average of $1,781.
Car insurance premiums are influenced by a multitude of factors, with location being a significant one. The area's traffic density, the likelihood of accidents, and theft rates can all contribute to how insurers assess the risk and, consequently, determine the cost of car insurance. In Washington, MoneyGeek's analysis showed that Spokane has the cheapest premium at $975, while Renton is the most expensive at $1,283. This highlights a substantial difference within the same state, indicating that rates can be considerably lower in less populated areas with reduced traffic density.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.